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Trevor Linden gym opening in old library

The building that used to hold the old Maple Ridge library will be turned into trendy Club16 Trevor Linden Fitness club, serving as another step towards the district’s goal of rebuilding the downtown.

Spire Development Corp. is proposing major interior and exterior renovations to the 1977 building at the corner of Dewdney Trunk Road and Fraser Street, next to the current library.

“We’re very happy with the project. We think the design is well thought-out,” development manager Chuck Goddard said as he described the project to council at its Monday committee meeting.

Spire Development Corp. wants to renovate the 47,000-sq.-foot building by installing new metal, cedar and cement-board cladding on the exterior walls and removing the waist-high walls in the rear parking lot that faces Memorial Peace Park.

The intent, at the street level, is to make the pedestrian experience “the focus of the development,” says a development permit application.

That approach will continue along Fraser Street, where a sheltered area will run parallel to the sidewalk leading to the park.

Overhangs will protect people from the rain, while glass will give transparency to the interior, where a 20,000-sq.-ft. fitness centre will be the main focus of the building. Two other tenant spaces will be created on the main floor, while office space on the second and third floors will be revamped.

Other improvements for the building include improving safety, renovating the lobby, while a landscaped parking area in the back will integrate the building into the park.

“It’s great news. It’s been in the works for a little bit,” said Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin.

“I think they’re anxious to get going.”

He didn’t know when construction would start or the targeted opening day.

Raamco International Properties Canadian is listed as the building owner.

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